Sinus Infections
If you have nasal congestion, facial pressure, cough and thick nasal discharge, you
may have rhinosinusitis, commonly referred to as sinusitis. Your sinuses are hollow
cavities within your cheekbones, around your eyes and behind your nose. They
contain mucus, which helps to warm, moisten and filter the air you breathe. When
something blocks the mucus from draining normally, an infection can occur.
Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis refers to sinusitis symptoms lasting less than four weeks. Most cases
begin as a common cold. Symptoms often go away within a week to 10 days; but in
some people, a bacterial infection develops.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis, also referred to as chronic rhinosinusitis, is often diagnosed when
symptoms have gone on for more than 12 weeks, despite medical treatment.
People with allergic rhinitis or asthma are more likely to suffer from chronic
sinusitis. This is because the airways are more likely to become inflamed when
allergic rhinitis or asthma are present. Sinusitis may also be caused by an infection,
a fungus, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps or in rare cases an immune system
deficiency.
Symptoms
Sinusitis symptoms, whether acute or chronic, frequently develop after a cold or
during times of severe or ongoing allergic rhinitis symptoms. The most obvious sign
of sinusitis is a painful pressure in the cheeks and forehead. Other symptoms
include:
- Thick yellow-green nasal discharge
- Postnasal drip, often with a bad taste
- Cough
- Congestion
- Toothache
Diagnosis
Allergy testing performed by an allergist can identify what allergic triggers might be
behind your chronic or reoccurring sinus infections. A CT scan of the sinuses may
be ordered to look for abnormalities in the sinuses. If allergies are causing the sinus
problems, treating the allergies by avoiding triggers or with medications or allergy
shots can help prevent recurrences of sinusitis. Environmental control measures
such as avoiding allergens are very important for people with rhinitis triggered by
indoor allergens such as dust mites, molds or animal dander. This treatment
strategy can prevent the need for surgery or prevent recurrence of disease after
surgery.